3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe

Villiage Voice Has a Problem with D.A. Hynes; BP Markowitz's Swag; and More Brooklyn Briefs

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- The Village Voice says Brooklyn D.A. Charles Hynes needs to be replaced. 

- Outgoing Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is going to auction off most of his office swag for charity.  NY Daily News 

- A 40-year-old man wielding scissors was shot in the chest by the police after he threatened a woman in a building across the street from City Tech H.S. NY Times

- An education commission appointed by Gov. Cuomo recommended the creation of statewide full-day pre-kindergarten. Brooklyn Eagle

- Overheard on Boomer and Carton's morning show: "Brooklyn is a joke." CBS Local

- MTA dismisses Koo’s proposal for subway station safety barriers.City & State

- The Three Kings will be riding live camels along Graham Avenue this Sunday in Williamsburg. Brooklyn Eagle 

- Stop everything and watch this video of a baby going for a ride on a Roomba. Gawker


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'My Brooklyn' Opens at reRun Theater in DUMBO Friday

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IFP & Filmwax present 'My Brooklyn' at the reRun Theater at reBar in DUMBO from Friday, January 4 through Thursday, January 13.

My Brooklyn follows director Kelly Anderson's journey to understand the forces reshaping her neighborhood. The film documents the redevelopment of Fulton Mall, the African-American and Caribbean commercial district that - despite its status as the third most profitable shopping area in New York City - is "maligned for its inability to appeal to the affluent residents who have come to live around it."

My Brooklyn premiered at the Brooklyn Film Festival in June 2012, and after two sold-out screenings it took home the festival’s Audience Award. Since then, the film kicked off Filmwax’s Brooklyn Reconstructed series and went on to win Best Documentary and Best Director at the Red Hook Film Festival. It screened internationally at the Architecture Film Festival in Lund, Sweden and the This Human World Human Rights Film Festival in Vienna, Austria.

More at www.mybrooklynmovie.com/

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valentine's date staycation

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Elliott and I weren't together on Valentine's Day (I was holed up in New Jersey). And to be honest, we've just had a pretty hectic past six weeks. Not complaining, but between the stomach flu, Luke staying with us, the week in New Jersey, and Elliott working long hours on an [extra] project, we needed a little break.

So Saturday, we headed into the city and had dinner at The Standard Grill and stayed the night at the Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district. The hotel (and the whole neighborhood) is pretty trendy, not really our scene, but it was fun to shake things up. The person who checked us in at the hotel said he had seen more locals checking in that night than out-of-towners, so I guess we were in good company. The food was honestly just okay. We've had some delicious meals in New York for birthdays and holidays (and every time we eat at Roebling, obvs) and this was just okay. But we still had a good time, and, honestly you could do a lot worse than eating mediocre eggs benedict in bed. On Sunday we walked up and down the High Line in the sunshine before heading back home.

love's such a delicate thing that we do

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We spent the long holiday weekend in Arkansas with our families, mostly to celebrate baby brother David's graduation. All five siblings graduated from Little Rock Christian (or Walnut Valley), and with David being the last (I'm not going to say empty nest, but), it just seemed best that we would all be there (NB: I went to every one of my sibling's graduations with the exception of John, who was VALEDICTORIAN. I'm sorry, John).

It was fun to be home with everyone and it be not Christmas. And I'm excited that we will all be home again soon.

[Unfortch, airplane travel just seems to be getting worse (almost lost luggage, stuck in Chicago overnight, 2-hour delays on plane, and of course, PAT-DOWNS!). We managed, it was just the two of us, but imagine if Desmond had been along? Or if we [in the hypothetical future] have a child? How do people do this? Please please please build me high-speed train.]

this is not the future, but I sense it's right up there

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It's so boring to talk about how busy you've been, isn't it? And really, isn't everyone busy? I'm not saying busy is necessarily good (or bad), but some of this has been very good (and some of it has been a Thursday night class from 6-9pm on Human Resources). And really if you are reading this, you probably already know, but sometimes this is just for me, for remembering, for being thankful. And if you don't already know, well here are some things.

After we got back from San Francisco, my parents came to town for a few days. We went to a baseball game, and to see Newsies (on Broadway!!!), and to the 9/11 Memorial, and to the High Line.

Then, my California ladies came to town for a long weekend (Amanda is not a California lady, obvs). We ate good food and shopped and drank sparkling wine during the day.
Day Job Magazine finally arrived hot off the presses (and delivered on a Jewish holiday so almost couldn't get them off the truck) and Elliott was busy shipping it out and delivering to shops in New York. In between that, he interviewed for a job and has started doing freelance work at Pentagram (amazing).

Well, and then my brothers came to town. We ate at Tea Room and went to the MoMa and to see Newsies (again).
And of course, I've been running. The marathon is three weeks away, I met my fundraising goal (thank you!!), and we are scheduled to run 20 miles tomorrow morning.

And lastly, we've sort of been trying to find a new place to live. So, stay tuned, because I'll probably have a lot more to say about that.

2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba

valentine's date staycation

To contact us Click HERE
Elliott and I weren't together on Valentine's Day (I was holed up in New Jersey). And to be honest, we've just had a pretty hectic past six weeks. Not complaining, but between the stomach flu, Luke staying with us, the week in New Jersey, and Elliott working long hours on an [extra] project, we needed a little break.

So Saturday, we headed into the city and had dinner at The Standard Grill and stayed the night at the Standard Hotel in the meatpacking district. The hotel (and the whole neighborhood) is pretty trendy, not really our scene, but it was fun to shake things up. The person who checked us in at the hotel said he had seen more locals checking in that night than out-of-towners, so I guess we were in good company. The food was honestly just okay. We've had some delicious meals in New York for birthdays and holidays (and every time we eat at Roebling, obvs) and this was just okay. But we still had a good time, and, honestly you could do a lot worse than eating mediocre eggs benedict in bed. On Sunday we walked up and down the High Line in the sunshine before heading back home.

love's such a delicate thing that we do

To contact us Click HERE
We spent the long holiday weekend in Arkansas with our families, mostly to celebrate baby brother David's graduation. All five siblings graduated from Little Rock Christian (or Walnut Valley), and with David being the last (I'm not going to say empty nest, but), it just seemed best that we would all be there (NB: I went to every one of my sibling's graduations with the exception of John, who was VALEDICTORIAN. I'm sorry, John).

It was fun to be home with everyone and it be not Christmas. And I'm excited that we will all be home again soon.

[Unfortch, airplane travel just seems to be getting worse (almost lost luggage, stuck in Chicago overnight, 2-hour delays on plane, and of course, PAT-DOWNS!). We managed, it was just the two of us, but imagine if Desmond had been along? Or if we [in the hypothetical future] have a child? How do people do this? Please please please build me high-speed train.]

this is not the future, but I sense it's right up there

To contact us Click HERE
It's so boring to talk about how busy you've been, isn't it? And really, isn't everyone busy? I'm not saying busy is necessarily good (or bad), but some of this has been very good (and some of it has been a Thursday night class from 6-9pm on Human Resources). And really if you are reading this, you probably already know, but sometimes this is just for me, for remembering, for being thankful. And if you don't already know, well here are some things.

After we got back from San Francisco, my parents came to town for a few days. We went to a baseball game, and to see Newsies (on Broadway!!!), and to the 9/11 Memorial, and to the High Line.

Then, my California ladies came to town for a long weekend (Amanda is not a California lady, obvs). We ate good food and shopped and drank sparkling wine during the day.
Day Job Magazine finally arrived hot off the presses (and delivered on a Jewish holiday so almost couldn't get them off the truck) and Elliott was busy shipping it out and delivering to shops in New York. In between that, he interviewed for a job and has started doing freelance work at Pentagram (amazing).

Well, and then my brothers came to town. We ate at Tea Room and went to the MoMa and to see Newsies (again).
And of course, I've been running. The marathon is three weeks away, I met my fundraising goal (thank you!!), and we are scheduled to run 20 miles tomorrow morning.

And lastly, we've sort of been trying to find a new place to live. So, stay tuned, because I'll probably have a lot more to say about that.

at Carnegie Hall

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I have to write about it, because I have to remember it, and after seventeen shows it might all start to run together. But this one was special, I knew it would be--Carnegie Hall! And the day before Thanksgiving (did you know I've seen him the day after Thanksgiving, too?)!

One of the best things about this show was that the crowd was actually polite. No singing along (that I could hear) and not a lot of yelling in between songs. Well, the appropriate amount of yelling I suppose.

But the set list was pretty perfect too (minus Ten Woman, snooze). And at Carnegie Hall it just sounded so clear and bold and real.

This would be a tough show to follow, but I just found out Desaparecidos is playing in New York in February (FINALLY) and I think that's just about the only thing that could come after a beautiful show like this one.
video[I started to record this video with my phone, but then I just wanted to listen, so I stopped.]
PS: pics and setlist here.

Thanksgiving

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We stayed in New York for Thanksgiving this year and had a really nice long holiday weekend. Of course, we missed being with our families, but we can look forward to Christmas in just a few weeks.
We had a special Thanksgiving dinner with friends and had a FEAST. Elliott and I brought cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. It was my first time to make pecan pie, and while I don't care for it, everyone said it was good, so I will probably use that recipe again. Although, honestly, I don't know why I ever volunteer to bring pie. Pie crust majorly stresses me out. We even bought pre-made dough from the farmer's market(!), but the rolling out and the pressing in the pan is still a nightmare to me. We also got our Christmas tree. Just a little one this year (the one we got last year was too big for the stand and nearly toppled over one night). We still need a tree topper (and a tree skirt for that matter). But our house smells fresh and I love the lights on the tree.Are you listening to Sufjan's new Christmas album(s)? I keep getting Christmas Unicorn in my head, and then I remember this video and I really can't stop laughing. And I keep telling Desmond he is the real Christmas Unicorn.Speaking of Desmond, is it normal to tell your dog you love him 10+ times per day? Just wondering.disclaimer: if you follow me on instagram you've already seen these pics, SORRY

1 Ocak 2013 Salı

Let 'Em Laugh: Brooklyn's Food Scene Is Bringing In the Bucks

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Smorgasburg in DUMBO. Photo: MK Metz
Haters love to scoff at Brooklyn's trendy food scene, but apparently Brooklyn is laughing, too -- all the way to the bank.

The Brooklyn Eagle reports that Brooklyn's burgeoning food sector is an engine of job growth for the borough, based on a study done for the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Brooklyn’s “food chain” -- supermarkets, restaurants, gourmet food shops and food makers— accounts for 16 percent of businesses in Brooklyn and 12.5 percent of Brooklyn’s private sector jobs.

Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and grocery stores added one out of every five new jobs in Brooklyn since 2000. In 2011 alone, wages in the Brooklyn food sector came to $1.46 billion.

While not all food-related jobs rack in big bucks, many do -- and start-ups and "one-person specialty food manufacturing businesses" are adding tremendous vitality to the mix.

So ha ha yourself, haters. And pass the kimchi tacos.

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T O P PICKS @ARTBASEL, MIAMI B E A C H

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The 11th edition of Art Basel Miami, affectionately referred to as the adolescent sister of the original Art Basel founded in Switzerland, once again took the contemporary art world by storm. Over 260 galleries participated in an ever expanding stretch that filled the Miami Convention Center located in South Beach. The first thing one might notice upon entering the fair is that unlike many other art fairs, the secondary market galleries and those representing contemporary artists are not separated. Rows and rows of cubed booths featured installations ranging from paintings by Pablo Picasso on view at Modern and Post-War gallery Helly Nahmad to Olafur Eliasson's "Berlin Colour Sphere", 2006 shown at neugerriemschneider and Los Carpinteros "Kosmaj Toy", 2012 installed at Sean Kelly Gallery. Outside of the main Art Gallery section however, was a range of exhibitors each with a particular focus. Art Nova presented 40 galleries, both emergent and established, offering newer works by young artists.  Art Positions, located directly opposite of Art Nova, was the smallest sector with just 16 galleries, and seeming to take a cue from VOLTA NY, each gallery highlighted one artist relevant to their own program and focus. These two areas of focus catered to my particular interest and aesthetic concentration, resulting in most of my time being spent there also resulting in many of my T O P PICKS, materializing from either Art Nova or Art Positions. 
Angel Otero, Installation view
Kavi Gupta Gallery, Berlin/Chicago
Art Basel, Miami
Photograph by Katy Hamer
Having attended many art fairs this year globally along with the internationally important, large-scale exhibition dOCUMENTA (13),  I've found that each fair has a majority of galleries from a certain country or region. Walking through Art Basel Miami was no different as 50% of the galleries were either from the United States or South America. Sãn Paolo offered, what in my opinion, were some of the most relevant micro-exhibitions at the fair. The Sãn Paolo based gallery Mendes Wood, located in the Art Nova section paired artists Adriano Costa and Tunga, working in object based installation and whose dialogue was symbiotic and meticulous occurrence placed in the booth, not overwhelming the visitor but rather quite harmonious. Black materials that appeared to be burned or aged were found in more than one booth and it was as if Art Nova and Art Positions categorically took a page directly out of what might be an imaginary guidebook to up and coming artists. More so than the centrally placed Art Gallery section, Art Positions and Art Nova allowed for moments of both recognition and discovery. Kavi Gupta, Berlin/Chicago featured the works of Theaster Gates who was part of dOCUMENTA (13) and the emergent and hip Angel Otero who also has a solo exhibition at Brand New Gallery, Milan on view until December 22nd. 
Augustina Woodgate, Installation detail
Spinello Projects, Art Basel Miami
Photograph by Katy Hamer



Popular New York based gallery Ramiken Crucible located in the deep left corner of Art Positions, transformed their small booth with the tall, angular metal sculptures of Andra Ursuta. Directly across from Ramiken Cruicible was the booth of Miami based Spinello Projects. Director Anthony Spinello is ambitious and we spoke briefly about our first meeting at Scope Hamptons many years ago. For Art Basel he presented a conceptual project titled New Landscapes by Miami based artist Augustina Woodgate. Upon first glance the work appeared to be drawings and indeed they are but the process of drawing for the artist, revolves around the removal of information and then recompiling that same material to make something else. Her focus has been on the definition of space such as a flat two dimensional map or the cylindrical representation of a globe. In a cycle of actions that includes erasing countries, landscape and in a way cultural identity that then results in three dimensional fragments, shavings of dust, she redefines the concept of boarders, volume and geometric equilibrium.  It was one of the most intellectually stimulating projects at the fair. 
Lastly, I will mention the work of Lyle Ashton Harris who exhibits with CRG Gallery in New York which was included in the main section of the fair. What was special about his large, multi-dimensional piece is that it was the first time since 1996 that the series of nine photographs that equal "The Watering Hole IX 5/6" were reunited and shown as a group. Quite captivating individually, together the works loosely tell a tale of Jeffrey Dahmer, his own masking of queerness and sexuality which emerged violently in serial murder. The focus grapples with identity, gender, and race resulting in the interpretive documentation of particular period of time that is expansive, also mirrored in the length of the work and rather than feeling like time passed, is a relevant documentation of life, fear and fetishistic longing. 
For many New York based galleries exhibiting at the fair, including CRG, this was the first occasion after Hurricane Sandy which allowed them to reconvene within the realm and context of an exhibition space. While several New York galleries had to turn down the opportunity to take part in Art Basel Miami due to loss, there was a strong invisible presence of survival and hope that permeated the air. This seemed to ring true not only regarding the participation of galleries post-hurricane, but also within the circumstances regarding the art market. Rumors have it that sales were a success and in an aide-mémoire, once again the market comes out on top. That being said, you've waited long enough and here it is, in no particular order, my T O P PICKS from Art Basel, Miami 2012! 


>>>>>>>> Lyle Ashton Harris <<<<<<<<
Lyle Ashton Harris (left) and Greg Miller (right) in front of Harris' "The Watering Hole IX 5/6", 1996
Installation view at CRG Gallery, New York, Art Basel, Miami
Photograph by Katy Hamer, 2012

>>>>>>>> Adriano Costa <<<<<<<<

Adriano Costa, Mendes Wood,  São Paulo, Brazil
Installation view at Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer 

>>>>>>>> Augustina Woodgate <<<<<<<<
Augustina Woodgate (left, bright blue dress) describes her project to Gian Maria Tosatti (next to Woodgate)
Installation view at Spinello Projects, Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>>>> Raimond Chaves & Gilda Mantilla <<<<<<<<
Raimond Chaves & Gilda Mantilla, Para el que llega de lejos...., 2011
ProjecteSD, Barcelona, Spain, Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>>>> Tom Burr & Yael Bartana <<<<<<<<
Tom Burr (front) "endlessly repeated gesture", Mirrored installation, 2009
Yael Bartana (wall), "We shall be strong in our weakness", Neon, 2012
Installation view Sommer Contemporary Art, Tel Aviv, Israel, Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>>>> Simon Dybbroe Møller <<<<<<<<
Simon Dybbroe Møller, Produce, 2011, Printers, c-prints
Installation view with Francesca Minini, Milan, Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>>>> Pae White & Judith Hopf <<<<<<<<
Pae White (paintings on left) and Judith Hopf (right and floor install)
Installation view with Kaufmann Repetto Gallery, Milan at Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>>>> Nathan Peter <<<<<<<<
Nathan Peter, PSM Gallery, Berlin
Gallery director Sabine Schmidt explains the work to a fair visitor
Installation view Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>>>> Jules de Balincourt <<<<<<<<
Jules de Balincourt, "Peace Violent Healing", 2006
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac, Paris/Salzburg
Installation view at Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
>>>>>Michael Delucia <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Michael Delucia, Installation view
Eleven Rivington, New York
Art Basel, Miami, 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer

Along with Art Basel Miami, a total of 26 art fairs graced various locations around South Beach and Downtown Miami. A particular buzz circulated around NADA and also the new kid on the block, UNTITLED which was curated by Omar Lopez-Chahoud, Artistic Director.  
The next Art Basel, Switzerland will take place June 13th-16th and will be in Miami once again from December 5th-8th, 2013.
All of the fairs were on view to the public commencing the 4th of December and closing the 10th. Stay tuned for more of my coverage soon and also be sure to check out my article Are you "IN" or are you "OUT", Nightly parties during Miami Basel in my Flash Art column, NY Tales. 
More soon. xo

MUCH ADO ABOUT N A D A MIAMI BEACH: TOP T E N PICKS!

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ANDREAS MELAS & HELENA PAPADOPOULOS, ATHENS, GREECE
Kostas Sahpazis, installation view, NADA Miami, 2012
MelasPapadopoulos Gallery, Athens, Greece
Photograph by Katy Hamer 
INDEPENDENT CURATORS INTERNATIONAL (ICI)
Marina Abramovic, do it, Edition of 20 for ICI, NY
Installation view at NADA Miami
Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist
Photograph by Katy Hamer
NADA Miami Beach took place from the 6th-9th of December, 2012. This year the organization celebrated its tenth anniversary and exhibited over 60 international galleries, including 22 new exhibitors added to the fair.  From the press release: "NADA is very proud to be celebrating its tenth anniversary in Miami Beach. Each year, the fair has continued to move forward in both quality and collector support and 2012 looks to be the strongest edition to date." Heather Hubbs, Director. Indeed, this year has been good for NADA. 2012 featured the first NADA New York and also the second summertime edition of NADA Hudson (in Upstate NY). Both were great and offer a new way to experience a fair, not only choosing to focus on younger, hip international galleries but also by veering away from the traditional booth sizes, rows, etc. NADA Miami Beach took place at The Deauville Beach Resort, a bit far away from the Art Basel madness, but once there the resort offered a relaxing, enjoyable setting at least for most. One of the complaints I heard from those who don't like the location was the fact that it is held in a hotel and the presence of the space is evident as soon as you enter the lobby. This fact didn't bother me as I quite liked having different rooms or sections to enter as a way to divide the amassed galleries. Three different main sectors, featured names such as Napoleon Ballroom,  Richelieu Ballroom, and Le Jardin. Within each space exhibitors and NADA project spaces were present. In a loose comparison to Art Basel, I felt that NADA was the strongest of the satellite fairs. The gallery selection offered some of the best up-and-coming galleries on a global level and the energy at the fair along with the chance to meet with so many friends was invaluable. In most situations exhibitors and their artists stay at the hotel and one gallerist described the scene as "art summer camp, but in a good way". 
Completing each section of the fair was quite satisfying but also revealed the scope and expansion that they are experiencing annually and I easily passed eight hours walking through the booths, giving my attention to various nooks and crannies where one might not expect to find art. Another section of the fair, introduced this year in particular was NADA Video Lounge, installed in the hotel Jazz Club, just off the lobby. Videos were shown in a loop and at the time of my visit, I was the only visitor to the room, but as we all know, watching videos requires a certain amount of cognitive attention, patience, and time that many during an art fair are not willing to give. The program, titled Under My Skin and curated by Grela Orihuela featured 17 artists representing 15 galleries both Joe Sheftel Gallery and (Art) AMALGAMATED were showing two different artists each. The entire loop took about 30/45 minutes, having sat through each video and then again halfway through a second time, specifics get blurry. Regardless, the addition was well curated and each contribution spoke of the physicality of the body in one way or another. 
The New Art Dealers Alliance is an important art fair and one to watch as it continues to expand and play host to some of the most relevant, art galleries and organizations in the contemporary art community.  Now without further adieu, in no particular order and including the above images, my T O P TEN PICKS from N A D A MIAMI BEACH. 
RACHEL UFFNER GALLERY, NEW YORK
Sam Moyer, Installation view, NADA Miami, 2012
Rachel Uffner Gallery, NY
Photograph by Katy Hamer
THE HOLE, NEW YORK
The Hole NYC, Installation view, NADA Miami, 2012
Artists shown included Kadar Brock, Matthew Stone, Holton Rower, and Lola Montes Schnabel
Photographic montage by Katy Hamer
TOOMER LABZDA, NEW YORK
Kate Steciw: DEEP COMMON, Installation view, NADA Miami, 2012
Toomer Labzda Gallery, NY
Photograph by Katy Hamer
LESLIE FRITZ GALLERY, NEW YORK
Artists featured include: Vittorio Brodmann, Caitlin Keogh, and Keith Farquhar, Installation view
NADA, Miami, 2012
Leslie Fritz Gallery, NY
Photograph by Katy Hamer
DEREK ELLER GALLERY, NEW YORK
Despina Stokou (left) and Liz Magic Laser (right), Installation mash-up, NADA Miami
Derek Eller Gallery, NY
Photograph by Katy Hamer
TEMNIKOVA & KASELA GALLERY, TALLINN, ESTONIA
Marko Mäetamm, Installation view, NADA Miami, 2012
Temnikova Kasela Gallery, Tallinn, Estonia
Photograph by Katy Hamer
KATE WERBLE GALLERY, NEW YORK
Brock Enright, Installation view, NADA Miami, 2012
(Oil pastel drawing on canvas, floor filled with poppy seeds, face mold of artist as a child and ritz cracker)
Kate Werble Gallery, NY
Photograph by Katy Hamer
PERES PROJECTS, BERLIN
LEO GABIN, Installation view, NADA Miami,  Peres Projects, Berlin, 2012
From left to right: Random Candy, Weels Candy Paint, and Crossed Up, all 2012
Photograph by Katy Hamer
Mark Flood, Installation view, Room 845
NADA Miami, 2012
Peres Projects, Berlin
Photograph by Katy Hamer
Peres Projects debuted a booth in NADA for the very first time after having previously shown at Art Basel.  In the booth they exhibited the work of art collective LEO GABIN, Eddie Martinez and Mark Flood. LEO GABIN is a collective that makes videos along with paintings (using oil and silk-screen) on canvas. Mark Flood, who after his exhibition at Luxembourg & Dayan located in Manhattan's Upper East Side neighborhood, has been causing quite a stir with his videos, his earlier rather absurd collages and paintings and most recently his lace paintings on canvas. Specifically for NADA Miami, the artist placed LIKE signs around the fair, outside of the premises and most importantly in Room 845. Javier Peres himself, handed me his room key and told me to go investigate. Gleefully, and always ready for a trip off the beaten path, I made my way to the 8th floor. Once upstairs, it just so happens that the door was wedged ajar. Tucking the room card into my pocket, I silently entered and recognized elements of human presence (an open book on the bed, a few empty juice bottles) and LIKE signs all over the room; in the window, strewn on the bed, on the floor, and coffee table. Supposedly, unlike the lace paintings (2012) the signs were for the taking and had I realized I would have been sure to LIKE and carry one under my arm for the duration of the fair. The LIKE signs were the icing on the cake. They were the element binding the virtual with the actual, action with idleness and 1980s pop-culture with the Facebook culture of today.

Stay tuned for the NADA Cologne next taking place in Germany, April 19th-22nd, 2013.

More soon.
xo

IMMORTAL W A T E R by TAKIS SPYROPOULOS

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I met in the street a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat worn, his cloak was out at the elbows, the water passed through his shoes, - and the stars through his soul. ~Victor Hugo 
Takis Spyropoulos, From Immortal Water, 2012
Image courtesy of the photographer 
How would one describe the innate healing power of water? For centuries, people all over the world have made pilgrimages to various hot springs, places where the water teems with a natural reserve of minerals and a temperature that tends to sooth not only the body but the mind. Historically, the first person to witness the curative properties of spa-therapy within hot springs was the Greek historian Herodotus, 484-410 B.C. The man who is considered the founder of medical science and hydrotherapy, Hippocrates od Cos (460-375 B.C.) was documented in his detailed inspection of bodies of water, ranging from lakes formed by rain and also the water that merged from cracks and fissures in rock. He recognized that unlike the rain water, that which emerged from the earth was ripe with minerals ranging from iron, silver, gold and sulfur. The therapeutic qualities of spa-therapy was practiced by Romans and many of their baths still exist, although in protected ruins all over Europe. Immortal Water is an ongoing, series of photographs by Takis Spyropoulos. The body of work was inspired by the photographers numerous trips to hot springs in Greece and the recognition of the medicinal properties in the waters. He found himself thinking about the extreme economic strife that the country is facing and the visual interpretation of healing its people through water. In an ambitious gesture, he commenced upon visiting hot springs both on the Greek mainland and surrounding islands, photographing friends partaking in the rush of water. Not choosing to pose his subjects in particular ways, he was more of an observer, someone who allowed the individual to seek out their own positioning and comfort within the extensive constrains of clear blue pools. 

Takis Spyropoulos, From Immortal Water, 2012
Image courtesy of the photographer
As he documented bodies, undressed, glistening with dampness, he also started to recognize the aesthetic metaphor that he was facilitating.  As the body returns to the warm cocoon found in mineral water, simulating the womb, will a sense of rebirth occur? The goal of Spyropoulos' photographs is to rediscover the beauty and purity of Greece, off the beaten path and away from the protesting and chaos happening in the urban centers. Due to lack of employment opportunity many Greek youth have chosen to pursue studies and employment outside of their country. This is a phenomena happening in many countries in Europe as debt grows and businesses close. Greece has been hit particularly hard as corruption has played a huge role in widespread tax evasion and bribery that is an avid part of the cultural norm. Strikes ranging from lawyers, pharmacists, journalists, public transportation employees, and others are being performed in Athens on a daily basis, upsetting the normal flow of life. The situation is dire, but for the country to raise the money it desperately needs to start paying off bailout fees (and even the accumulating interest) to the European Union, things need to change, and taxes need to be raised. Amongst all of this chaos, Takis Spyropoulos, who being based in Athens, feels the negative economic changes on a daily basis and has chosen to turn his camera lens back on the country itself. However, rather than focus on the riots and police that can be found on almost every other corner near the city center, he instead has chosen to return to the essence, the earth itself and what he deems the possibility of catharsis. In the submerging of the body into water, a renewal or baptism is evident, cleansing the exterior with liquids from the depths of the earth but also refreshing the mind as well. 

Takis Spyropoulos, From Immortal Water, 2012
Image courtesy of the photographer
From his statement on Immortal Water
"The hot springs have always been places revealing cosmic energy. The hot water emerges from the bowels of the earth, diffusing energy. Symbols and magic reveal its sacred character, while the objective captures images that the eye is not capable of achieving. After the catharsis of the individual can we expect a collective catharsis to result?"
Takis Spyropoulos, From Immortal Water, 2012
Image courtesy of the photographer
Every artistic obsession starts somewhere and sometimes with a question yet to be answered. The work itself may not prove to be true, a solution, or even timely reflection, but it is a wish, research, a regression into a place filled with proposed innocence.  Immortal Water is one man's vision but what could be the vision of many. Spyropoulos has tapped into the spiritual journey that is actually quite human in origin. He strives for renewal, comprehensive engagement and change. All are possible, but for now, we are only left with the photographs. 
Inaction is the antithesis of change. Silence will only breed silence. Moreover, protests may or may not equal political resolution but the metaphor and constant renewal of flowing water functions almost as a prophecy, an intersection of natural elements that will always remind us of our own humanity and flesh. 
Iron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation... even so does inaction sap the vigor of the mind. ~Leonardo da Vinci 
Takis Spyropoulos, From Immortal Water, 2012
Image courtesy of the photographer
For more of Takis Spyropoulos' photographs be sure to visit: http://www.takisspyropoulos.com

More soon!xo



1 0 0 LITTLE D E A T H S @BRAVINLEE PROGRAMS

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Taylor McKimens, Mike Kelley, 2012
Image courtesy of the artist
How will you be ringing in the New Year? Depending on where you are in the world, you may have celebrated already. Here in New York, we still have several hours to go but an electricity is building in the air. Friends are emerging out of the woodwork with well wishes, the sky is a steely grey and many are planning evening outfits. An unexpected occurrence that which now seems to be perfectly timed is the opening of 100 Little Deaths, by Tom Sanford at BravinLee Programs. But wait, you scratch your head and think, an art opening on New Year's Eve? Yes, I did the same and initially thought it might be a mistake, but as the evening rolls closer, I've also realized that the exhibition will be the last I will view in 2012. This alone has a  certain weight and what Sanford has done is to paint and document 100 portraits of celebrities who passed away in 2012. While one can imagine that he's not the first to ever take on such a undertaking, having an opening on New Year's Eve is unconventional. Included in the exhibition, the artist has also invited a select group of friends to participate with portraits of their own. The BravinLee Project Room will host these works and a black tie event organized by Sanford and Riot Development at Alger House will be where many guests ring the holiday. Not such a bad idea after all. The art world of New York is quite small, most people know each other in one way or another and crossing paths is not as difficult as one  might imagine. This year has proven to once again that this is also true on a global level. As my travels have taken me to various countries, art fairs and exhibitions I've encountered many new friends and run into familiar faces in almost every city traveled to. 
Tom Sanford, 100 Little Deaths, 2012
Image courtesy of the artist and BravinLee Projects, NY

Noah Becker, Vidal Sassoon, 2012
Image courtesy of the artist
So, again the inquiry, how will you ring in the New Year? Will it be with family, friends, or alone in contemplative solitude? Will the outside temperature surround you in a soft warm breeze or will the chill in the air seep through fair and delicate skin straight into bones. 2012 has been a great year for the contemporary art market and I think that 2013 will be even better. I am happy to report many artists who are selling works, exhibiting, traveling, doing residencies, etc and have been featured here. 100 Little Deaths will bring together many of those friends and acquaintances in a celebration of sorts of a year gone by and members of popular culture who were lost. Each artist will bring their own touch and personality to the wall, monumentalizing a face that made a mark on our society in one way or another and is no longer with us.  In true preview format, some of the subjects were leaked through Facebook and include, Franz West, Donna Summer, Adam Yauch, Mike Kelley, Whitney Houston and Vidal Sassoon amongst others. 
Tom Sanford, Franz West, 2012
Image courtesy of the artist and BravinLee Projects, NY
The exhibition will be a period at the end of a run-on sentence but also a moment to monumentalize those who have made an impact on a large group of people or been a personal favorite. There is also the act of recontextualizing those who were forgotten, actors, musicians and others from the past who aged and were recalled  only shortly after the moment of death. 
A painting is a monument of time in many ways. It is a moment, transformed, frozen, personalized. Human contact with the surface alone is quite an intimate process. With figurative painting, as an artist stares deeply into the eyes of a face that is slowly emerging from a two-dimensional surface a sense of authority is attained, an instance of recognition. We are all part of who we look upon in many ways. We are the living and the dead. As another year comes to an end, we realize the Mayans were wrong, gun violence is still relevant in American society and for now, the sun still rises in the east and sets in the west. Everyone knows someone who has died, but as 2012 becomes the past and 2013 the present, let's salute the living, the working, the painting and the smiling. 
Cheers to 2013 and more contemporary art to come, in galleries, museums and your own personal collection.
Kristen Schiele, Donna Summer, 2012
Image courtesy of the artist
Tom Sanford 100 Little Deaths will be on view at BravinLee Programs from December 31st-February 9th, 2013.
Project Room artists include: Graham Preston, Jessica Ellis, Shay Kun, Rudy Shepherd, Les Rogers, Jonathan Allen, Dan Heidkamp, Kelli Williams, Joe Heaps Nelson, Chris Bors, Noah Becker, Eric White, Nic Rad, Daniel Davidson, Taylor McKimens, Kristen Schiele, Ryan Schneider, Aaron Johnson, Michael Hilsman, Sydney Chastain-Chapman, Michael Scoggins, Robin Willimas, Josh Jordan, Ridley Howard, Holly Coulis, Natalie Frank, Paul Brainard, Jeremy Willis, Jeff Beebe, Michael Anderson, Guy Richards Smit, Michael Bevilacqua, Francesca Neiman, Alfred Steiner, Eric Doeringer, Peter Daverington, Thomas Broadbent, Dawn Frasch, Nina Chanel Abney, Kevin Klein, Erin McNalley and Aaron Zimmerman.
More soon.xo